Stationary Gamma Camera with Variable-Angle Collimators for 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nuclear imaging methods, such as mammography and conventional three-dimensional nuclear medicine imaging, face challenges with false negatives in dense breast tissues, high radiation doses, and limited spatial resolution due to the need for detector movement and distance from the target.
Innovation Solution
A gamma camera system with variable-angle slant hole collimators allows stationary detectors to collect data from multiple angles, enabling high-resolution three-dimensional imaging without moving the detector, using a dual-head or multi-head configuration with detectors positioned in close proximity to the breast, and employing advanced image reconstruction algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a gamma camera is rotated completely around the patient to obtain multiple views for three-dimensional imaging, then the completeness of three-dimensional image acquisition is improved, but the spatial resolution deteriorates due to the detector being at a distance from the target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional SPECT's single-detector orbital approach to a multi-headed stationary camera system with detectors arranged in multiple dimensions around the patient. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous data collection from multiple angles without requiring any single detector to orbit at a distance, thereby achieving complete 3D imaging while maintaining close proximity for high spatial resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The gamma camera system is segmented into multiple detector heads (dual-head or multi-head configuration), each stationary and positioned close to different regions of the patient. This segmentation allows each detector to capture data from its specific viewpoint without movement, while collectively providing complete three-dimensional coverage through the combined data from all segmented detector units
2Measurement precision
If the gamma camera is positioned in close proximity to the patient for high spatial resolution, then the spatial resolution is improved, but the ability to obtain complete orbital data for three-dimensional reconstruction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging multiple detector heads in a multi-dimensional configuration around the patient rather than using a single detector that must orbit, the system achieves complete angular coverage while each detector remains stationary in close proximity to the patient, simultaneously satisfying both spatial resolution and data completeness requirements
3Loss of information
If conventional SPECT imaging is performed with a rotating camera, then three-dimensional image reconstruction is achieved, but the radiation dose increases due to the need for multiple views and extended imaging time
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary multi-headed camera system performs continuous data acquisition from multiple angles simultaneously without interruption for detector movement or repositioning. This continuous parallel data collection from multiple stationary detectors reduces the total imaging time and radiation exposure compared to sequential orbital scanning, while still achieving complete three-dimensional reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging task is segmented across multiple stationary detector heads that simultaneously capture data from different angles. This parallel segmented acquisition reduces the total time the patient is exposed to radiation compared to a single detector that must sequentially orbit through all angles, thereby reducing cumulative radiation dose while maintaining complete 3D reconstruction capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves spatial resolution and reduces radiation doses by allowing near-complete three-dimensional imaging with superior clarity, enhancing tumor detectability and localization, and enabling detection of smaller lesions with reduced radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
Each gamma camera incorporates a variable angle slant hole (VASH) collimator that allows each gamma camera to collect projection image data over a continuous angular range of acceptance angles.
Implementation Method 2
The radioisotope decays and emits a high energy photon which is detectable outside the patient through the use of a gamma camera.
Implementation Method 3
The radioisotope decays and emits a high energy photon
Data Source
AI summary
A nuclear imaging system and method for performing three-dimensional imaging of anatomical structures. The system and method includes two or more gamma ray detectors each used in combination with a variable-slant hole collimator. The detectors are positioned in close proximity to, or in contact with, the structure being imaged. The detectors remain in a stationary position during the data collection process. An imaging or reconstruction method is then used to reconstruct a three-dimensional image from the data derived from the detectors.